Polyphenolic compounds of amla prevent oxidative stress and fibrosis in the kidney and heart of 2K1C rats

Evaluation of the modulating effect of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cetuximab in carbon-tetrachloride induce hepatic fibrosis in rats

Liver fibrosis, developed in almost all chronic liver injuries. Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) have been thought to contribute to cirrhosis and liver fibrosis. Therefore, using a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrogenesis, we investigated the preventive effects of cetuximab, an inhibitor of the EGF receptor (EGFR). Ameliorative effects of cetuximab were examined in rats, brought on by biweekly doses of 50 mg/kg of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). There were a total of 24 male Long Evans rats split up into four distinct groups such as control, CCl4, control+cetuximab and CCl4+cetuximab. After two weeks of treatment with cetuximab (100 μg/kg), samples of tissue and blood were taken after all the rats had been sacrificed. Plasma samples were examined for the biochemical indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress. Histological staining on liver sections was performed for morphologic pathologies, and related genes expressions analysis were done with RT-PCR in liver tissue. The findings showed that cetuximab could raise the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) and considerably lower the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO). Sirius red staining and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) displayed that cetuximab therapy reduced the inflammatory cells infiltration and enhanced fibrotic lesions. In the meantime, cetuximab therapy also dramatically reduces the expression of genes linked to inflammation in the liver tissue, including NF-кB, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β. To sum up, the anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidant properties of cetuximab confer curative efficacy against liver fibrosis.

An Overview on Flavor Extraction, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Significance, and Production of Herbal Wines

Wine has been utilized as a source for medicinal preparations, combined with various herbs, to treat particular ailments and disorders. By utilizing herb extracts, regular but limited consumption of these herbal wines helps to decrease the need for prescription medications to treat a variety of ailments. The diversity and the composition of the yeast micropopulation significantly contribute to the sensory characteristics of wine. A particular metabolic activity characterizes the growth of each wine yeast species, which determines the concentrations of flavor compounds in the final wine. Numerous herbs, such as tulsi, ginger, aloe vera, tea, amla, lemongrass, and peppermint, are used in the preparation of herbal wines, where either the herb or herbal blends are primarily used as the substrate. The variants provided improved accuracy, increased acceptability, and broader uses for the novel product. Herbal wines pave the way to provide nutraceuticals to consumers and protection against pathogenic microorganisms and inflammation through their richness in antioxidants. The existing herbal wines and their health advantages are discussed in this Review, along with some new directions for the herbal wine business.

Protective effects of l-carnitine on isoprenaline -induced heart and kidney dysfunctions: Modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress-related gene expression in rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine (L-CAR) treatment on isoprenaline (ISO) administered kidney and heart impairment in male Long Evans rats. Four groups of rats were engaged in this study such as control, ISO, control + L-CAR, and ISO + L-CAR, where n = 6 in each group. The rats were also provided with chow food and water ad libitum. At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed, and blood and tissue samples were collected for bio-chemical analysis. Oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined in plasma and tissues. Antioxidant and inflammatory genes expression were analyzed in the kidney cortex, and histopathological studies of kidney tissues were performed. This study showed that creatinine and uric acid in plasma were significantly increased in ISO-administered rats. l-carnitine treatment lowered the uric acid and creatinine level. ISO-administered rats showed increased lipid peroxidation and declined levels of antioxidant enzymes activities in kidneys and heart. l-carnitine treatment restored antioxidant enzymes activities and protect against oxidative stress in kidney and heart. This effect is correlated with the restoration of Nrf-2-HO-1 genes expression followed by increased SOD and catalase genes expression in the kidney. l-carnitine treatment also prevented the TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-кB expression in kidneys of ISO administered rats. Histopathology staining showed that l-carnitine treatment prevented kidney damage and collagen deposition in ISO administered rats. The result of this study exhibited that l-carnitine treatment reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant enzyme activities by enhancing antioxidant genes expression in ISO administered rats.

Crataeva nurvala Bark (Capparidaceae) Extract Modulates Oxidative Stress-Related Gene Expression, Restores Antioxidant Enzymes, and Prevents Oxidative Stress in the Kidney and Heart of 2K1C Rats

Objective

Crataeva nurvala is a medicinal plant, which contains a wide range of polyphenolic and bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate the renal-protective activity of Crataeva nurvala in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) rats.

Methods

In this study, the ethanol extract of Crataeva nurvala bark at a dose of 100 mg/kg was orally used to treat 2K1C rats for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected for further biochemical and histological assessments.

Results

This investigation showed that Crataeva nurvala treatment prevented the kidney dysfunction in 2K1C rats. Uric acid and creatinine concentration and CK-MB activities increased in 2K1C rats which were normalized by Crataeva nurvala. 2K1C rats also showed increased oxidative stress, depicted by the elevated level of MDA, NO, and APOP in plasma and tissues. Oxidative stress parameters declined in 2K1C rats by the treatment of Crataeva nurvala. These results could be attributed to the restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase and SOD. Crataeva nurvala extracts also upregulated antioxidant gene expression in the kidneys of 2K1C rats. Moreover, several anti-inflammatory genes were suppressed by Crataeva nurvala treatment in 2K1C rats. Furthermore, fibrosis and collagen deposition in the kidneys were also lowered by the treatment of the Crataeva nurvala extract.

Conclusion

The experimental data suggest that the Crataeva nurvala extract protected renal damage and oxidative stress, probably by restoring antioxidant enzymes activities in 2K1C rats.

Tempol Alters Antioxidant Enzyme Function, Modulates Multiple Genes Expression, and Ameliorates Hepatic and Renal Impairment in Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Intoxicated Rats

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the superoxide dismutase mimic compound “tempol” on liver and renal damage in Long Evans male rats administered with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Methods: The antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative stress parameters were investigated in the liver, kidney, and plasma tissues. Histological examination of the liver and kidney sections affirmed inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and iron deposition. RT-PCR was also employed to evaluate the expression of oxidative stress and inflammatory genes. Results: The CCl4-administered rats exhibited increased plasma activities of ALT, AST, and ALP compared to the control rats. The tempol treatment in the CCl4-administered rats significantly lowered ALT, AST, and ALP enzyme activities compared to the CCl4 group. Oxidative stress parameters, such as the MDA, NO, and APOP levels in various tissues of the CCl4-administered rats, showed increased concentrations, whereas tempol significantly lowered the level of oxidative stress. Moreover, CCl4 administration decreased the antioxidant enzyme activities, which were further significantly restored by the tempol treatment. The control rats that underwent treatment with tempol did not present with any abnormality or toxicity. Furthermore, the tempol treatment in the CCl4-administered rats increased Nrf-2-HO-1-mediated gene expression and enhanced related antioxidant enzyme gene expressions. The tempol treatment in the CCl4-administered rats also decreased anti-inflammatory gene expressions in the liver. In histological sections of the liver, CCl4 increased inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and iron deposition, which were reduced significantly due to the tempol treatment. Conclusion: The results of this investigation revealed that tempol could protect against liver and kidney damage in CCl4-administered rats by modulating antioxidant gene expressions and restoring antioxidant defense mechanisms.

An Overview of Cardiotonic Medicinal Plants from the Perspective of Iranian Traditional Medicine

Context: Cardiovascular disorders are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially in people with diabetes. Due to synthetic drugs’ adverse effects, new medicines are needed. Evidence Acquisition: Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) is one of the oldest medical systems. In this article, we first introduce a list of cardiotonic medicinal plants based on ITM. Then we review the cardio-related effects of these plants based on electronic databases. Results: Among the introduced medicinal plants from ITM, Phyllanthus emblica L., Rosa canina L., Ocimum basilicum L., and Melissa officinalis L. have cardiotonic effects. Also, P. emblica, O. basilicum, M. officinalis, Citrus medica L., Malus domestica Borkh., Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, and R. canina have cardioprotective effects and possess several biological activities that reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. Conclusions: The cardiotonic medicinal plants based on ITM have excellent value; several pharmacological studies have proved some of their cardioprotective and cardiotonic effects. The other plants’ potential for improving the heart’s contractile power as a cardiotonic drug must be evaluated in further pharmacological and clinical studies.

Liquiritin inhibits H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress injury in H9c2 cells via the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway

Heart failure (HF) is a serious disease with high mortality. Oxidative stress plays a vital role in its occurrence and development. Licorice is commonly used to treat HF in traditional Chinese medicine. Liquiritin, the main ingredient of licorice, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but the mechanism against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes has not been reported. Establishment of oxidative damage model in H9c2 cells by hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ). Liquiritin (5, 10, 20 μmol/L) could significantly prevent the loss of cell viability and decrease the apoptosis rate. It can reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonedialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and increase the activity of ATP, superoxidedismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxide (GSH-px), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Liquiritin was found to be related to AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) pathway by molecular docking. Western blotting (WB) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) confirmed that liquiritin could promote AMPKα phosphorylation and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein expression, and inhibit phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65). Compound C, EX 527, and PDTC can reverse the effects of liquiritin, indicating that its antioxidant effect is achieved by regulating AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Heart failure is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, and its treatment remains a worldwide problem. Licorice is a food and dietary supplement that has been used widely in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Liquiritin is one of the main active components of licorice, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pharmacological effects. This study revealed the mechanism of licorice against oxidative damage of H9c2 cardiomyocytes, and provided a scientific basis for liquiritin as an antioxidant in the treatment of heart failure.

Nobiletin resolves left ventricular and renal changes in 2K-1C hypertensive rats

This study investigated the effects of nobiletin on cardiorenal changes and the underlying mechanisms involved in two-kidney, one-clip (2K-1C) hypertension. 2K-1C rats were treated with nobiletin (15 or 30 mg/kg/day) or losartan (10 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks (n = 8/group). Nobiletin (30 mg/kg) reduced high levels of blood pressure and circulating angiotensin II and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in 2K-1C rats. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and remodelling in 2K-1C rats were alleviated in the nobiletin-treated group (P < 0.05). Nobiletin reduced the upregulation of Ang II type I receptor (AT₁R)/JAK (Janus kinase)/STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) protein expression in cardiac tissue of 2K-1C rats (P < 0.05). The reduction in kidney function, and accumulation of renal fibrosis in 2K-1C rats were alleviated by nobiletin (P < 0.05). Overexpression of AT₁R and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) protein in nonclipped kidney tissue was suppressed in the nobiletin-treated group (P < 0.05). The elevations in oxidative stress parameters and the reductions in antioxidant enzymes were attenuated in 2K-1C rats treated with nobiletin (P < 0.05). In summary, nobiletin had renin-angiotensin system inhibitory and antioxidant effects and attenuated LV dysfunction and remodelling via restoration of the AT₁R/JAK/STAT pathway. Nobiletin also resolved renal damage that was related to modulation of the AT₁R/Nox4 cascade in 2K-1C hypertension.

Mechanistic insight into immunomodulatory effects of food-functioned plant secondary metabolites

Medicinally important plant-foods offer a balanced immune function, which is essential for protecting the body against antigenic invasion, mainly by microorganisms. Immunomodulators play pivotal roles in supporting immune function either suppressing or stimulating the immune system's response to invading pathogens. Among different immunomodulators, plant-based secondary metabolites have emerged as high potential not only for immune defense but also for cellular immunoresponsiveness. These natural immunomodulators can be developed into safer alternatives to the clinically used immunosuppressants and immunostimulant cytotoxic drugs which possess serious side effects. Many plants of different species have been reported to possess strong immunomodulating properties. The immunomodulatory effects of plant extracts and their bioactive metabolites have been suggested due to their diverse mechanisms of modulation of the complex immune system and their multifarious molecular targets. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates and polyphenols have been reported as responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of several medicinal plants. This review illustrates the potent immunomodulatory effects of 65 plant secondary metabolites, including dietary compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action on cellular and humoral immune functions in in vitro and in vivo studies. The clinical potential of some of the compounds to be used for various immune-related disorders is highlighted.

Bioactive metabolites of Blumea lacera attenuate anxiety and depression in rodents and computer-aided model

Blumea lacera is an edible plant with imperative medicinal values. However, the anxiolytic and antidepressant roles of B. lacera have not been well-explained. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the impending bioactive metabolites and roles of B. lacera methanol leaf extract (Me-BLL) in attenuating anxiety and depression through several experimental and computer-aided approaches. The chemical characterization of Me-BLL was performed through standard phytochemical and GC-MS analyses. To explore the neuropharmacological insights, Swiss albino mice were treated with Me-BLL at doses of 200-400 mg/kg, p.o. The anxiolytic effects were observed employing elevated plus maze (EPM), light-dark box (LDB), and hole-board (HBT) tests, while antidepressant effects were evaluated using forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). Diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine HCl (20 mg/kg, p.o.) were used as the reference standard. The phytochemical analyses revealed several bioactive metabolites, including higher contents of total phenolics and flavonoids. The EPM and LDB tests demonstrated an increased time spent in open arms and light box, and the HBT showed an increased number of head dipping, indicating the anxiolytic effects of Me-BLL. The TST and FST revealed a decrease in immobility time, meaning the persuasive antidepressant effects. The antioxidative effects of Me-BLL have also been observed prominently. Correspondingly, the computer-aided investigation confirmed several bioactive lead molecules. Specifically, thymol and cuminol revealed potential anxiolytic and antioxidant effects, while stigmast-5-en-3.beta.-ol and gamma-sitosterol possessed promising antidepressant effects. Taken these results as a base, the plant has imperative potentials in managing anxiety and depression-like disorders.

Polyphenol-rich leaf of Aphanamixis polystachya averts liver inflammation, fibrogenesis and oxidative stress in ovariectomized Long-Evans rats

Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) R.Parker, locally known as Pithraj, is a medicinal herb having enormous traditional applications. However, the scientific rationale underlying the ethnomedicinal claims was not well-founded. The current investigation aimed to explore the mechanistic insights of protective effects of ethanol extract of A. polystachya leaf (PT), given orally, on the chemical-intoxicated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in Long-Evans female overiectomized rats. The GC-MS and HPLC-DAD analysis of PT revealed the presence of several bioactive metabolites, including polyphenolic compounds. Catechin hydrate, caffeic acid, syringic acid, epicatechin and p-coumaric acid have been identified and quantified in the ethanol extract of PT leaf. Intoxication with CCl₄ developed the oxidative stress, fibrosis and inflammation in liver of rats. Moreover, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), advanced protein oxidation product (APOP) level were found increased; whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in the plasma and liver were decreased in CCl₄ administered rats. Treatment with PT prominently mitigated the oxidative stress (TBARS, NO, APOP), and inflammatory (MPO) markers and improved the endogenous antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD) activities in CCl₄-intoxicated rats. Additionally, histological assessment confirmed the clear manifestation of inflammation and fibrosis in the liver of CCl₄-intoxicated rats, which was prevented by PT and silymarin treatment. In conclusion, PT treatment may protect the liver in CCl₄-administered rats, probably by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis, and also augmenting the function of the antioxidant enzymes.

Pharmacological insights into Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f.) Hallier f. leaf for its antioxidant, thrombolytic, anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive potential

Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f.) Hallier f., an ethnomedicinally important plant, used in the tribal areas to treat various ailments including fever, headache, eye inflammation, rheumatism, dysentery, jaundice and urinary diseases. The present study explored the biological efficacy of the aqueous fraction of M. vitifolia leaves (AFMV) through in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The thrombolytic and anti-arthritic effects of AFMV were evaluated by using the clot lysis technique and inhibition of protein denaturation technique, respectively. The anti-nociceptive activity of AFMV was investigated in Swiss Albino mice by acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced paw licking test. The antioxidant activities of AFMV, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and total reducing power, were also tested. The qualitative phytochemical assays exhibited AFMV contains secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, carbohydrate, flavonoid, tannin, triterpenoids and phenols. In addition, AFMV showed strong antioxidant effects with the highest scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 146.61 µg/mL) and reducing power was increased with a dose-dependent manner. AFMV also revealed notable clot lysis effect and substantial anti-arthritic activity at higher doses (500 µg/mL) as compared with the control. The results demonstrated a promising reduction of the number of writhing and duration of paw licking in acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced paw licking test in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. In conclusion, AFMV provides the scientific basis of its folkloric usage, suggesting it as the vital source of dietary supplement.